- A
The new RAM is not seated properly
Why wrong: If the RAM were not seated properly, the system would likely not boot or would beep; it would not show 8GB as if only the original sticks were detected.
- B
The motherboard does not support four sticks of RAM
Why wrong: Most modern motherboards with four slots support four sticks, though they may run at lower speeds; this is unlikely to prevent detection of the new sticks.
- C
The new RAM is incompatible with the existing RAM
Mismatched RAM modules can cause the system to only recognize the original pair, as the motherboard may fail to train all four modules together.
- D
The BIOS needs an update to support higher capacity
Why wrong: A BIOS update might be needed for very large capacities, but 16GB is standard and should be supported without an update.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the new RAM is incompatible with the existing RAM, even though both sets are 4GB sticks. This is the most likely cause because when mixing RAM modules, differences in timings, speeds, or ranks can prevent the motherboard from properly recognizing all modules, often defaulting to the lowest common denominator or simply ignoring the mismatched sticks. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of memory compatibility and the importance of using matched kits—a common trap is assuming identical capacity guarantees compatibility. Remember the memory tip: “Same size doesn’t mean same speed; mismatched timings can leave your RAM unread.”
220-1201 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is tasked with upgrading the RAM in a desktop motherboard that has four DIMM slots. The existing configuration has two 4GB sticks in slots A1 and B1. The user wants to add two more 4GB sticks for a total of 16GB. After installing the new sticks in slots A2 and B2, the system boots but only shows 8GB of RAM. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The new RAM is incompatible with the existing RAM
When mixing RAM modules, even if they are the same size, they may not be compatible if they have different timings, speeds, or ranks. The motherboard may default to the lowest common denominator or fail to recognize mismatched modules. This is a common issue when not using matched kits.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The new RAM is not seated properly
Why it's wrong here
If the RAM were not seated properly, the system would likely not boot or would beep; it would not show 8GB as if only the original sticks were detected.
- ✗
The motherboard does not support four sticks of RAM
Why it's wrong here
Most modern motherboards with four slots support four sticks, though they may run at lower speeds; this is unlikely to prevent detection of the new sticks.
- ✓
The new RAM is incompatible with the existing RAM
Why this is correct
Mismatched RAM modules can cause the system to only recognize the original pair, as the motherboard may fail to train all four modules together.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The BIOS needs an update to support higher capacity
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS update might be needed for very large capacities, but 16GB is standard and should be supported without an update.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If the RAM were not seated properly, the system would likely not boot or would beep; it would not show 8GB as if only the original sticks were detected.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Motherboard — study guide chapter
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Motherboard practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The new RAM is incompatible with the existing RAM — When mixing RAM modules, even if they are the same size, they may not be compatible if they have different timings, speeds, or ranks. The motherboard may default to the lowest common denominator or fail to recognize mismatched modules. This is a common issue when not using matched kits.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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